SC: EDCA is constitutional
Supreme Court upholds EDCA
US, EU warn China on need to respect South China Sea ruling on dispute with PHL
Visit Ourgeography Facebook Page for News updates
West Philippine Sea Updates
Why Filipinos should support the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement(EDCA) *See Why EDCA is needed to defend West Philippine Sea?
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is a 2014 agreement between the United States of America and the Philippines that seeks to bolster the U.S.–Philippine alliance. The agreement allows the United States to rotate troops into the Philippines for extended stays and allows the U.S. to build and operate facilities on Philippine bases, for both American and Philippine forces. The U.S. is not allowed to establish any permanent military bases. It also gives Philippine personnel access to American ships and planes. The EDCA is a supplemental agreement to the previous Visiting Forces Agreement.
The Philippines and the United States have an enduring alliance that is based on deep historical and cultural ties. The Philippines’ relationship with the United States has been robust, dynamic and strategic. This relationship is nurtured by a shared history and adherence to common values, especially a commitment to freedom, democracy and a market economy.
From combating war against terrorism to war against poverty, the partnership between the Philippines and the US is broad-based, opening fresh avenues for greater cooperation.
The Philippines and the United States entered into a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951. The Philippines is one of only two US treaty allies in Southeast Asia which mandates the United States to aid the Philippines in times of war. With the rise of an assertive China, the Philippines is left with no choices to lean back on its ironclad ally, the United States.
The EDCA is designed to promote the following between the Philippines and its defense treaty ally the United States:
- Interoperability
- Capacity building towards AFP modernization
- Strengthening AFP for external defense
- Maritime security
- Maritime domain awareness
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR)
With China building military and naval bases on the backyard of the Philippines, the United States will come as a balancing power to counter any assertive actions coming from China. The EDCA will give way for the United States to respond immediately in any shooting incidents that may erupt between the Chinese and Philippine Navy over the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines with its limited capability and equipment, the United States will act as a safe guard for the time being as the AFP Modernization program progresses through time. With the huge war arsenal that the United States have, the Philippines is in good position to acquire such more sophisticated equipment and weaponry.
The EDCA also states that whatever military facility that the United States will build in the Philippines it will be automatically a property of the Philippine government.
So far US Congress had allocated US$2.5 billion for the Philippines from 2000 to 2014. US assistance contributes to: building peace in Mindanao, strengthening democratic institutions in the country, enhancing economic growth, and reinforcing greater stability in the region. The supplementary foreign military financing approved yearly by the U.S. Congress remains a very important component of the Philippine government’s effort to develop the country’s external defense capabilities.
In these desperate times, the Philippines should welcome the United States again on its soil. As U.S Navy Admiral Locklear said:
“I would say to those critics who say we are just using the Philippines, well, the Philippines is a part of a larger set of problems that have to be dealt with, you can’t isolate yourself… The fact that you sit in the most strategic part of Southeast Asia in a huge set of archipelago where 70 percent of the global economy is going to be generated… The question is: how do you want to be here and who do you want to be with while you are here?”
The Supreme Court of the Philippines will decide on the finality of EDCA on December 16, 2015.
See Why Filipinos should support the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement(EDCA)
Still no SC vote on Edca
The Supreme Court (SC) deferred anew the voting on the constitutionality of the Philippines-United States Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), with deliberations expected to resume next month January 12, 2016.
The high court did not make any official announcement on the case at a press conference Wednesday morning, but sources privy to what transpired during the special en banc session said deliberations would continue early January.
January 12, 2016. SC voted 10-4-1, Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of EDCA.
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States, a highly placed source told GMA News Online on Tuesday.
In its first session for the year, the high tribunal affirmed the validity of the agreement that provides for increased rotational presence of US troops in the country was upheld by a vote of 10 in favor, four against and one abstention.
The Supreme Court denied a petition filed separately by former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada, and by another group composed of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and incumbent and former members of the House of Representatives.
In their petition, Saguisag and Tañada both claimed EDCA’s terms and provisions are “lopsided in favor of the Americans.”
The second batch of petitioners, meanwhile, said the EDCA goes against the Philippines’ national interest, is disadvantageous to Filipinos, and is mainly motivated by the US strategic re-balancing towards Asia and is therefore in the service of US security and economic interests.
Under EDCA, the US will be allowed to build structures, store as well as preposition weapons, defense supplies and materiel, station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, transit and station vehicles, vessels, and aircraft for a period of 10 years. —NB, GMA News
See Supreme Court upholds EDCA
SC rules: PH-US military deal constitutional
Supreme Court upholds legality of Edca
Supreme Court: EDCA constitutional, does not require Senate concurrence
SC to rule on EDCA tomorrow (January 12, 2016)
Justices seen split on EDCA
SC puts off ruling on EDCA
Still no SC vote on Edca
Why Filipinos should support the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement(EDCA)
SC en banc set to tackle 3 major matters: EDCA, No-bio-no-boto, Poe DQ at SET
US Navy commander warns of possible South China Sea arms race
Filipinos asked: Who do you want on your side?
Underestimating US in Asia a ‘Severe Miscalculation’: Senior Defense Official
Ex-US commander says PH ‘leader on rule of law’
U.S to build military infrastructures in the Philippines if the EDCA is approved
West Philippine Dispute Timeline
West Philippine Sea Updates
Justices see no argument on unconstitutionality of EDCA
Commentaries, News and Update to VFA/EDCA needed to defend West PH Sea:
I personally believe that the Supreme Court must rule on the constitutionality of EDCA to support President Aquino’s primary constitutional duty to serve and protect the people, promote national security, upgrade the AFP’s military facilities and preposition defense assets, and improve the military’s capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
An EDCA, an implementing agreement of the VFA, between the Philippines and USA will not only benefit the Philippines’ militarily but also economically. It is obvious that China wants to grab Philippine territories for its natural resources and with the US Armed Forces and AFP via EDCA, balance and deterrence are created in the military might between the Philippines and China.
With the petitioners’ oral arguments against EDCA on November 18, 2014, SC chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, EDCA Defender, said that the sea disputes between China and Philippines warrant US help for AFP modernization with the development of maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
“This is the AFP saying, ‘we are looking this as an approach at filling our capabilities…’ Is it grave abuse of discretion for a government to ask an ally, with whom you have a mutual defense agreement with since the 1950’s, to fill the gaps? Promoting long-term modernization — is that bad for the AFP,” Chief Justice Sereno asked.
“The fact that we brought a [territorial conflict] before the ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea), isn’t that a fact that we must explore all means? Isn’t that the greatest threat when our fishing grounds are no longer accessible to us? I see our islands in the West Philippine Sea being overtaken. What is wrong with prepositioning? How long does it take for a missile to reach Palawan?” Sereno said.
“‘Helping maintain and develop additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness’ — so we’re talking about the West Philippine Sea problem here because we have no problem with the eastern side (of our islands), it’s with the western side… we are still in the process in making the international community aware that we are asserting our right under the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” Sereno stressed.
“We have a problem here… unless the facts [are before us], and we are not a trier of facts, we cannot presume the factual situation; we cannot paint for the people a situation where the facts are not yet presented before us.
“In other words, if we are going to presume falsity on the part of the Philippine government, then we rule that the EDCA is unconstitutional, but we don’t have that legal authority especially that there has been no hearing (on the facts),” Sereno said.
The need for the Philippines to seek the help of an ally, the United States, in improving the former’s military capability amid the West Philippine Sea maritime dispute with China may well warrant the inking of the Philippine-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), according to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
She stressed that, to date, there is no violation of any of the provisions of the agreement nor any offense committed on the part of the US under the terms of the agreement.
Hearing will resume on Nov. 25 with the government lawyer through Solicitor General Florin Hilbay arguing in defense of EDCA.
Government lawyers have admitted that even with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the US cannot guarantee that it will come to the Philippine’s aid over its territorial rift with China.
During Tuesday’s oral argument, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio asked acting Solicitor General Florin Hilbay if the country could invoke EDCA in case China attacked BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine ship that serves as the country’s frontline of defense in the Spratlys.
On November 25, 2014, Hilbay said President Benigno Aquino III could invoke EDCA, but added that “it really depends on the US if they will come to our aid or not.”
“There is no guarantee that the Americans will come to our aid if we invoke it. So, what does this guarantee?” Carpio asked.
Hilbay said EDCA would improve the Philippines’ military facilities.
“We cannot depend on a third country. For purposes of defense, we can only rely on ourselves,” Carpio said. He added that “I just want you to understand [that] even if we declare EDCA constitutional, it does not mean US will defend us because there is no such thing as guarantee.”
Hilbay said “EDCA is not the answer to all our problems.”
While he expressed hopes that the US will change its mind on its stand that it will stay away from territorial disputes, Hilbay said “we do what we do and we do what we can. Hope is free.”
“It’s just an implementing agreement. There are general commitments under the MDT, there are more specific commitments under the VFA, the MDT implements all of those commitments through the power of the President as Commander-In-Chief, Chief Executive and head of foreign relations,” Hilbay said.
Hilbay asserted that there is no need for the concurrence of the Senate before EDCA could be implemented because “the prior authorizations, the necessary licenses are already there.”
“It’s a different agreement in the sense that it articulates to finer details the general commitments under the MDT and supplements the VFA, but everything under the EDCA is possible because of the MDT and the VFA,” Hilbay said.
Multiple justices cited China’s territorial incursions and a real need to bolster naval defense. At the next hearing on Nov. 25, Kobe Bryant/Hilbay will try to capitalize on this and refute Agabin/Jordan and Roque/Johnson on needing Senate ratification.
President Aquino has reiterated the Philippines’ need for increased defense cooperation with the United States through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which he insisted was drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
“Our country needs this kind of agreement, which is just an addition to earlier agreements like the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA),” he told a press briefing here on Tuesday night.
Since the Palace submitted EDCA as an executive agreement, it cannot be compelled to submit this to the Senate for ratification, President Aquino said.
Not foreign military bases (EDCA no guarantee)
The focus of Hilbay’s argument was that the constitutional requirement for “treaties and international agreement” to be ratified by the Senate does not apply to EDCA. He said it is a mere implementation of existing treaties already ratified by the Senate – the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 and the Visiting Forces Agreement of 1999.
Hilbay also argued that not all international agreements need to be submitted to Senate. It is a “characterization” dependent on the position of the President and the Senate. He noted that no senator filed a petition to question the constitutionality of EDCA before the Supreme Court.
The constitutional requirement also applies only to foreign military bases, which Hilbay said is not the case with the facilities that will be built by the US military under EDCA.
In a power point presentation at the start of Day 2 of oral arguments, Hilbay showed particular provisions to argue that EDCA is a mere implemenation of these treaties.
VFA, Article VIII
1) Aircraft operated by or for the US armed forces may enter the Philippines upon approval of the Government of the Philippines
2) Vessels operated by or for the US armed forces may enter the Philippines upon approval of the Government of the Philippines
Hilbay added the EDCA is unlike foreign basing because it is “restrictive” in the sense that the US requires Philippine approval or invitation for each and every activity it plans to undertake. “Just like the VFA, any and all activities under the EDCA can only be ‘at the invitation’ or upon approval of the Philippine government.”
“The EDCA involves the agreement for Philippine military bases and Philippine military facilities, the EDCA need only be approved by the president of the Republic of the Philippines. This is based on the principle of defensive preparation. The court cannot force the referral to the Senate without the president agreeing,” Hilbay said.
Senate panel disappointed over EDCA snub
Enhanced defense deal above board
Malacañang is confident that President Aquino will not be removed from office via impeachment over the counter-signing of the enhanced defense agreement with the United States.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. stood firm that the EDCA forged by the Philippines and the United States is above board.
“We have done what is needed to ensure compliance with the Constitution and relevant laws,” Coloma said in a text message to the Manila Bulletin.
Coloma, meantime, said they respect the prerogative of the Senate to review the defense agreement.
But he maintained that the Department of National Defense (DND) will continue negotiating the implementing rules and regulations of EDCA with its US counterparts unless restricted by the court.
Drilon: EDCA issue up to SC
Senate President Franklin Drilon on Thursday said it was up to the Supreme Court to rule whether the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) needs to be ratified by the Senate.
“We have to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court at this point,” Drilon said.
He said the solicitor general has taken the position that it is not a treaty that requires ratification. And as far as the executive branch was concerned, EDCA is “only an agreement,” Drilon said.
“Once the SC decides that it is a treaty that must be ratified, then the executive will transmit to the Senate the agreement for ratification,” he said.
Unless the issue was resolved by the high court, no law would require the Malacañang to transmit the defense agreement to the Senate.
“If at this point the executive will not submit the treaty or agreement for ratification, we cannot do anything especially that it is pending with the Supreme Court,” Drilon said.
Does not need Congress’ approval
Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. believes the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed by the Philippine and US governments does not need Congress’ approval for its implementation.
In an interview on April 30, 2014, Belmonte said the EDCA is constitutional as it was based on the previous security agreements of the two countries.
“Actually, it’s just an enhancement of various existing treaties with the US,” Belmonte said, referring to the military assistance agreement between the Philippines and US in 1949, the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement.
The recent new implementing rules in the ambiguous criminal jurisdiction and custody provision according to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between US and Philippines brought about by the October 11, 2014 heinous murder of Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude by US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, not only resolved and made it possible for the Philippine government to assert Philippine sole custody of US servicemen who commit criminal offenses in the Philippines in accordance with the VFA but also custody provisions under EDCA, an implementing agreement of the VFA.
In an interview, Belmonte said the VFA should not be seen as the reason Jennifer Laude was killed by suspect Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.
Belmonte said the bigger picture should be the country’s defense posture and not limited to the agreement that gave American troops visitorial powers despite the absence of their military bases here.
“I think the big picture has something to do with our defense posture, our position in the face of power structures in our part of the world. That definitely cannot be equated with the one incident wherein we don’t even know the facts of the incident,” Belmonte said.
VFA didn’t kill Jennifer Laude – DFA
“Rehabilitation is the path to take.” – Ricardo B Serrano, R.Ac.
As shown by recent events in the past weeks, months and years, it is obvious to most Filipinos that the real threat to democracy and sovereignty in the Philippines is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with its party list allies in the PH government, and also shown with Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.
After a long wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on the constitutionality of EDCA, the final rule on EDCA is here:
“In other words, if we are going to presume falsity on the part of the Philippine government, then we rule that the EDCA is unconstitutional, but we don’t have that legal authority especially that there has been no hearing (on the facts),” Chief Justice Sereno said during the hearing on oral arguments, November 18, 2014.
“What other viable peaceful options do we have to resolve China’s fanatical expansion agenda with invasive armed aggression?” – Ricardo B Serrano
Is EDCA constitutional? according to EDCA
Yes. EDCA provides that the access and use of AFP facilities by the US military will be “at the invitation of the Philippines and with full respect for the Philippine Constitution and Philippine laws.”
The constitutional provision which prohibits the establishment of “foreign military bases… or facilities” in the country except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate does not apply to EDCA.
The defining features of “foreign military bases” – extraterritoriality, exclusivity in use and foreign ownership – will not be applicable in the Agreed Locations.
On the other hand, the entry of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities is already allowed under the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which is a treaty concurred in by the Senate and upheld by the Supreme Court.
The provisions of EDCA, an executive agreement, are consistent with the Philippine Constitution, laws, and jurisprudence.
Solgen: Sending EDCA to Senate will embarrass Aquino
Gazmin: EDCA deterrent but doesn’t assure US help
Senate panel disappointed over EDCA snub
Drilon: EDCA issue up to SC
EDCA may put PNoy in trouble
VLOG: SC ends oral arguments on EDCA
US-Philippines military pact defended in court
Gov’t lawyers insist EDCA is legal
SolGen: Sending EDCA to Senate could create constitutional problems
SolGen: Not sure of US defense of Philippines vs China
SolGen rules out need for Senate to concur with EDCA
Carpio: No guarantee US will aid Philippines in China sea row
SolGen: EDCA no guarantee US will aid Philippines vs China
Executive explains to SC nature of EDCA, defends non-submission to Senate
SolGen: EDCA no guarantee US will aid Philippines in sea dispute
Gov’t lawyer: EDCA not the answer to all our problems
SolGen: No assurance US will defend Philippines vs China
Miriam: I’m ready for full-blown EDCA debate in Senate
Senate ready to hold full blown debate on EDCA
More US troops deployed in Mindanao than Iraq, group claims
Attack on EDCA bungled in high court
Aquino defends EDCA
SC justices split on US defense aid in sea row
Justices to EDCA critics: How to defend West Philippine Sea?
In the Know: Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
EDCA critic: China execs think Philippines a US lackey
Sereno: Sea disputes warrant seeking US help for AFP
Justices see no argument on unconstitutionality of EDCA
SC takes up EDCA pros, cons; bases return feared
Transmitting PH-US military pact to Senate discussed at SC
Sereno: It’s premature to challenge EDCA
Obama: US to train more with Philippines
SC orals on EDCA: China threat looms over charter issues
SC to hear oral arguments on EDCA Tuesday
SC activates site for audio live streaming of oral arguments on EDCA
SC sets EDCA debate on November 18
3 US ships cancelled port calls to Subic due to operational reasons
DFA: Good faith can make VFA work
VFA didn’t kill Jennifer Laude – DFA
Laude case not reason to kill VFA – Belmonte
No need to ratify defense deal – SB
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA)
More women joining Marines
China’s old maps negate own historical claims over Spratlys
House junks impeach complaints vs P-Noy
Groups to storm US Embasssy for Pemberton’s turnover
CPP/NDF/NPA got a share from the pork?
Hong Kong Occupy Central Updates: Live Stream and Blog
News Updates on US-PH alliance vs CCP (Updated):
Philippines, US to discuss bilateral issues in Washington
Japan is pushing the Philippines to become a stronger nation
China’s actions is pushing its neighbors of creating a Greater Asian Military Alliance
PHL warns of Chinese air defense zone over South China Sea
Nuclear missile-capable US B-52 bomber now in S. Korea
US bomber flies over S. Korea as show of force against North
US says evidence ‘not consistent’ with N. Korea H-bomb claim
West PH Sea air freedoms ‘non-negotiable’: UK
Aussie plane flies over disputed South China Sea
SC puts off ruling on EDCA
TESTING THE LIMITS? | Australian military plane flies over South China Sea
SC en banc set to tackle 3 major matters: EDCA, No-bio-no-boto, Poe DQ at SET
Why Filipinos should support the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement(EDCA)
US Navy commander warns of possible South China Sea arms race
Filipinos asked: Who do you want on your side?
Underestimating US in Asia a ‘Severe Miscalculation’: Senior Defense Official
Ex-US commander says PH ‘leader on rule of law’
U.S to build military infrastructures in the Philippines if the EDCA is approved
EDCA equips PH as China builds islands – ex-US admiral
Chinese navy warns Filipino civilian plane carrying BBC reporter
U.S. Navy Commander Implies China Has Eroded Safety of South China Sea
Phl lead counsel: China to lose influence if it defies tribunal’s decision
China stopped harassing PH ships after EDCA signing – Gazmin
PH files diplomatic protest vs China airstrip
US to China: Exercise self-restraint
Philippines told: Get used to China’s island- construction
China defies US call to stop island project in South China Sea
Troubled skies above the East China Sea
DFA confirms China reclaiming land on Kagitingan Reef
DFA to verify reports China building airstrip, naval base on disputed reef
West PH Sea row, major reason for deterioration in US-China ties
Airstrip building in disputed waters justifiable: Chinese general
US asks China to stop building Spratlys island airfield
China building South China Sea island big enough for airstrip
Shiptec China 2014: CSRRC showcases plans to build floating docks for Spratly islands
China could cripple US in cyber offensive, NSA chief tells lawmakers
What’s next in South China Sea? 4 scenarios simulated
Philippines announces $2 billion defense expansion
PH wants concrete actions amid Chinese leader’s vow against violence in resolving sea row
US, Japan, Australia agrees to deepen security ties
Asian sea rows could undermine progress
OP-ED: China’s island-building a bigger threat than oil rig
Large Scale South China Sea reclamation
Obama: Sea row threatens to spiral into confrontation
The Filipina who saved hundreds of American lives
China and the United States are preparing for war
Noy tells China: Stay out of West Philippine Sea
Aquino dares China: Act
Aquino-Xi Jin Ping ice-breaking talks may end PH-China conflict
Japan, US at odds with China over tension in South China Sea
Sea code just a matter of time
Philippines case vs China’s sea claim still a go
Myanmar makes pitch for ASEAN integration
Aquino to China: Take solid steps to tackle sea row
Philippines seeks ASEAN partners’ support for case vs China
While world watches APEC, China sends a message
Noy raises sea row at APEC
America and its Allies in the South China Sea
Yes, American Commandos are still in the Philippines
Addressing intrusions in the West Philippine Sea
Elite PH, US units launch joint exercises in Basilan
China must be urged not to unilaterally change status quo in South China Sea
US Admiral cites 4 reasons for Asia-Pacific sea pivot
UN to rule on Philippine sea claim
Kerry: US will defend allies in Asia-Pacific
US won’t agree to disagree with China sea row
Pacific Air Force chief says wary of risky flying by China jets
Understanding the South China Sea
China is poorer than it appears to be
Why the US may go to war in the South China Sea
China absorbing disputed areas
China’s 5 Constitutions refute Beijing sea claim
China’s old maps negate own historical claims over Spratlys
Merkel gifts China leader Xi with map of ancient Asia
West Phillipine Sea Primer
Book proves Scarborough Shoal part of Philippine territory
The following videos by Ricardo B Serrano are about sea row disputes between China and Philippines in South China Sea (West Philippine Sea):
See my commentaries, news and updates at:
VFA/EDCA needed to defend West PH Sea
China vs Philippines Ayungin Standoff
CCP, an outlaw vs US Alliance
US-Asia Pacific Alliance vs China
US, Philippines and Japan vs China
Our Geography is our Destiny
My predictions five months ago:
I personally believe that the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of EDCA to support President Aquino’s primary constitutional duty to serve and protect the people, promote national security, upgrade the AFP’s military facilities and preposition defense assets, and improve the military’s capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).
By next year or so, I believe that China will establish an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the West Philippine Sea where they are building a naval base with airstrip now at Kagitingan Reef in the Spratly islands, and where the war will be between China and the US Alliance (Vietnam, Australia, US, Japan and other claimants).
“I believe that regardless of a favorable outcome of the Philippine’s memorial submission to ITLOS, China will still use threats of force, intimidation, coercion and gunboat diplomacy because China will disregard the arbitration outcome and a tribunal can’t stop China from bullying its neighbors posing a complicated challenge to the region’s peace and security unless a necessary boost in military hardware upgrade capability in the Philippines is attained together with a US asia-pacific alliance, sanctions and a strong international support to militarily confront or deter China’s armed invasion collectively thereby upholding the rule of international law, unimpeded trade and freedom of navigation. What other viable peaceful options do we have to resolve China’s fanatical expansion agenda with invasive armed aggression?
With China’s disregard to UN arbitration and international law’s UNCLOS by its illegal declaration of sovereignty to all of South China Sea with its unilateral attempts to assert its bogus 9-dash line claims through its show of intimidation or force in the Philippines and Vietnam, will the group of G-7 still remain silent to China’s military intentions or act on its mandate to oppose China’s actions now?
Since the problem is a state of unpreparedness – the lack of military capability of the AFP now, I believe that a viable alternative or contingency measure to the current sea dispute situation between China and the Philippines would be for the G-7 allies to provide the AFP with the necessary training and credible number of military hardware such as warships, missiles, fighter planes, and drones, on loans, to counter Chinese invasion of Philippine reefs and shoals.
Well trained and credible armed Filipino soldiers have done their own fighting before against internal terrorists, in the Korean war and in WW2 and as first defenders before other nations will intervene, AFP will fight these Chinese invaders and outlaws again with a credible military hardware upgrade to protect its sovereignty and prevent further loss of more rich natural resource Philippine territories to China.”
China keeps on saying that ASEAN claimants must adhere to the Code of Conduct (COC) but at the same time China simply violates that rule and says that it has the right to do whatever it wants in the Spratley’s.
China keeps on building structures and even doing reclamation works despite repeatedly stressing that all claimants must adhere to the COC, which includes stopping any development of any uninhabited area.
In this sense, China is fooling everybody including the US and the global community just like how it stole Mischief Reef.
The Philippines must be reminded of China’s “talk and take strategy”.
It fooled President Noynoy when Noynoy agreed to the withdrawal of ships from Scarborough. Eventually, the Philippine ships were called back to port but the Chinese simply laughed at President Noynoy for believing the Chinese.
Now, that the US has maintained the position of not intervening (unless a war breaks out) then China will probably pursue its objective.
Our only chance is the economic sanctions and making the US and its allies support that sanction. PNoy must work with the US in building a new trade pact that will replace whatever will be lost when we slap China with economic sanctions. Treat ASEAN as one solid economic bloc that will replace the lost Chinese market.
Definitely, we will enforce an enhanced sanction when the UN tribunal announces the decision. Let the US and the rest of the G7 plus EU support that effort.
Traits of the Communist Party – evil, deceit, incitement, unleashing the scum of society, espionage, robbery, fighting, elimination, and control.
From my experience as a Classical Chinese medical practitioner for over 30 years, most of my rehabilitation clients who have drug and alcohol addictions also have PTSD, sexual addictions and sexual behavior problems.
Acupuncture, herbs, acupressure with meditation and Qigong instructions have greatly assisted my rehabilitation clients and have been transformed into Self-realized individuals after their rehabilitation through Classical Chinese Medicine. They have tried conventional western therapies without success.
I believe that rehabilitating rather than condemning foreign servicemen who committed sexual crimes in the Philippines is the path to take. Future sexual crimes can be avoided by foreign servicemen through the availability of drug-free natural therapies such as Classical Chinese Medicine with Qigong instructions.
I also believe that EDCA with its implementing Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) should be reviewed rather than scrapped because the Philippines needs it to defend West Philippine Sea from China’s creeping incursions in the Philippine territories with joint military capability of US servicemen and military hardware.
Fanaticism and extreme measures by politicians and militants to scrap EDCA with VFA should be discouraged and replaced with common sense and respect for Filipino’s foremost constitutional right in protecting our territorial sovereignty from China’s creeping invasion rather than being fixated in the sexual crime of one US servicemen to a Filipino citizen which should be legally handled solely.
Recycling of sexual energy heals sexual behavior problems
I believe that the root behavioral problem of not only US Marines or any US servicemen but also other male soldiers from other countries doing crimes against women, transgender, bisexual or children is their own unguarded thoughts – that their worst enemy is not their opponent but their own unguarded thoughts.
Recycling of sexual energy (Jing Qi) through meditation and Qigong helps sexual behavior problems and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).
My six books on meditation and Qigong offer a solution to this sexual behavioral problem for healing and spiritual awakening. Peace be with you!
See Soul Affirmation and Meditation on Three Hearts
His seven books covered thoroughly in You Hold the Keys to Healing together with Workshops will show you how to know who you really are thereby healing holistically and returning to oneness. When you experientially know who you really are, the truth will set you free. See Oneness with Shiva
Master Pranic Healer Ricardo B Serrano, R.Ac. integrates pranic healing with Enlightenment Qigong forms, acupuncture, herbs and acupressure. He is a certified Qigong teacher trained by Pan Gu Shen Gong Master Ou Wen Wei, Sheng Zhen Gong Master Li Junfeng, Qi Dao Master Lama Tantrapa, Primordial Wuji Qigong Master Michael Winn, Zhan Zhuang Qigong Master Richard Mooney, Pranic Healing Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, Master Nona Castro and Mang Mike Nator. He is also a certified Merkabah teacher trained by Merkabah Master Alton Kamadon.
Ricardo B Serrano’s Hawaiian Name is Nalani: Nalani means “Serenity Of The Skies” in Hawaiian! You truly are someone who is able to find peace in the small pleasures of everyday life! You don’t take anything for granted and are able to focus your energy on appreciating all you have around you!
His seven books Return to Oneness with Shiva, Return to Oneness with the Tao, Return to Oneness with Spirit, Meditation and Qigong Mastery, Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery, Oneness with Shiva, and The Cure & Cause of Cancer comprise altogether his Master Pranic Healer thesis for the Integral Studies of Inner Sciences.
Meditation and Qigong Books and DVDs to experience healing and spiritual awakening:
Akashic Records Reading with Tao Chang book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050285
Six healing Qigong sounds book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050269
The Meditation and Qigong Mastery book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781901
Return to Oneness with the Tao book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781960
Return to Oneness with Spirit through Pan Gu Shen Gong book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781979
Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery according to the Hathors book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0987781987
Return to Oneness with Shiva book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050218
Oneness with Shiva book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050226
The Cure & Cause of Cancer book at https://www.amazon.com/dp/0988050234
To order the Maitreya (Shiva) Shen Gong & Omkabah Heart Lightbody Activation DVDs with shipping, cost $60, please click the Paypal button below:
 |
 |
Recent Comments